CARLTON wants Dale Thomas to play with the freedom he displayed in the VFL last weekend as he bids to re-establish his position in the Blues' team against Collingwood on Saturday.
Thomas played Carlton's first four games, but missed the round five clash against Port Adelaide with soreness before being overlooked for last Saturday's win over Sydney.
Thomas had 31 possessions, 14 marks (five contested) and kicked a goal for the Northern Blues against Coburg last Sunday, an impressive performance that subsequently earned him a recall for Saturday's blockbuster clash at the MCG against his former team.
Blues coach Brendon Bolton told reporters on Friday that Thomas had earned his recall on form alone, and praised the professionalism he showed around Ikon Park after missing senior selection.
"Our match committee makes sure it holds its integrity of picking people in form. Dale played a really, really good game at VFL level and comes in in form," Bolton said.
"We just want him to make sure he plays with the freedom he played with at the VFL.
"If you were sitting in any of our meetings over the last fortnight – in spite of some inconsistencies in his game – you wouldn't have known (he had missed selection). He kept investing in our young guys and contributing in meetings.
"So he's been fantastic around our footy club and applied himself the right way last week."
Thomas is entering the final season of a four-year contract, but has a games-based trigger to play on in 2018, which is believed to be activated if he plays about 15 games.
Bolton confirmed second-year tall Jacob Weitering would play against Collingwood after recovering well from a corked thigh suffered in the Sydney win.
Weitering trained without any strapping in Carlton's light training session on Friday and appeared to move freely.
Jack Silvagni (shoulder) and Zac Fisher (hamstring) were also injured against the Swans and were unavailable for selection against the Magpies.
Bolton was hopeful both players would be available next round against St Kilda.
"Hopefully, (they will miss) only one (game) but we've got to see how that comes along," Bolton said.
"I can't really be locked to that comment, but hopefully they're OK next week."
Bolton said Saturday's game offered Carlton's youngsters an invaluable opportunity to play on a big stage against a traditional rival, with the Magpies having the added incentive of playing on the 125th anniversary of their first game.
"(Our young players) are aware of the rivalry. They've only got to walk around and people talk about the rivalry and it's the Peter Mac Cup, which is an important occasion, (and) on top of that (Collingwood is celebrating) 125 years," Bolton said.
"They're really looking forward to a fierce contest, I'm sure we're going to get that from Collingwood.
"Those sorts of games will pay us back in time, so it's really important experience for (Charlie) Curnow, (Jacob) Weitering, (Tom) Williamson, all those younger guys.
"Getting that exposure is going to be fantastic for them."
